- Home
- Students
- Subjects
- Modern Foreign Languages
Modern Foreign Languages
Bienvenue! Willkommen! Bienvenidos!
| Head of Modern Foreign Language | Mrs L Davis |
|---|---|
| Head of French/KS4 and KS5 French Lead | Mrs S Hammoudi-Thomas |
| Teacher of French | Dr M Darraj |
| Spanish Lead | Mr M Bennett |
| Teachers of Spanish | Miss L Daza Alhambra |
| Curriculum Support | Mrs M Wade |
In the Modern Foreign Languages Department two languages are taught; French and Spanish. French and Spanish are currently offered at both GCSE level and A Level.
- The department benefits from a blend of experienced and young teachers who aim to bring a knowledge of these target languages, the countries where they are spoken and the culture of those who speak them to our students.
- A wide range of teaching techniques are used.
- Lessons take place mainly in the target language which students are encouraged to use independently.
- Students can be involved in carrying out surveys, accessing the internet, developing role-plays, playing games, singing songs and further activities designed to practise the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- Lessons are often very active and a high level of participation from students is required.
The department is housed in a suite of air-conditioned rooms which are equipped with electronic whiteboards and a broad range of audio visual equipment. The department is well resourced with course books and on-line materials for use in class and at home.
The department runs a number of trips and out of school learning opportunities which are described in the ‘Enrichment’ section.
Key Stage Three
KS3
At Chelmer Valley High School, students in Years 7 to 9 embark on an exciting journey of language learning by studying either French or Spanish. They receive four lessons per fortnight, providing a strong and focused academic foundation in their chosen language.
This dedicated schedule enables students to develop essential skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also fostering cultural awareness and appreciation. Our comprehensive program not only enhances their linguistic abilities but also prepares them effectively for GCSE studies. By building confidence and proficiency in a second language, we aim to inspire a lifelong passion for learning and global communication.
Key Stage Four
KS4
The department offers GCSE courses in French and Spanish to students who have studied the relevant language at Key Stage 3. Students benefit from five hours teaching over a two week timetable. Students all have their own copy of the relevant text book to use at school and home and are encouraged to study independently.
Students continue to develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing to a greater depth and all students are entered for either the Foundation or Higher level GCSE examination.
The department follows the AQA GCSE specification in both languages which is assessed by four final examinations at the end of Year 11.
Key Stage Five
KS5
Studying a Foreign Language at Key Stage 5
Many students will consider taking a language course at this level because they have enjoyed learning languages, or perhaps they will have achieved a very good result at GCSE level and will be looking to replicate that success. The study of a language at Key Stage 5 can benefit students in a number of ways and for those who decide to further their knowledge and language skills the potential rewards are considerable.
There are many reasons for further study in European languages, among them:
Jobs! Many employers appreciate the fact that applicants have mastered a second language at a more advanced level. With much of Britain’s trade now being done within the European Community, many people at work (and not just specialist linguists) are finding they need to put their skills into practice. Businesses often pay higher salaries to employees who can phone or fax a firm abroad, book hotel accommodation for the boss’ trip to Paris, read an order from a Spanish client or a press release from a Belgian competitor. Language skills give you the edge in a very competitive employment market.
Holidays! French and Spanish speaking countries are among the most popular holiday destinations. Trips abroad can be much more fun if you use your language skills.
Communication! There are 220 million people who speak French and 500 million who speak Spanish as their mother tongue.
Satisfaction! There is a lot of pleasure to be gained from making friends and contacts across the language barrier.
Insight! Studying another language and culture in depth broadens your horizons and provides an understanding of how other people live. You also learn a great deal about yourself.
Learning to learn! You may well have to learn another language in the course of your working life. Through further study of a foreign language you will acquire advanced dictionary skills and a more thorough understanding of how your own and other languages work.
The Examination
Students prepare for the new AQA ‘A’ level examinations in French or Spanish.
The Year 12 course will cover Media (e.g. TV, the internet), Popular culture (e.g. cinema, music and fashion), Healthy living (e.g. exercise, health and holidays), and Family (e.g relationships within the family, friendships and marriage).
Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing - 50% of Grade
- Aspects of French/Hispanic-speaking society: current trends
- Aspects of French/Hispanic-speaking society: current issues
- Artistic culture in the French/Hispanic-speaking world
- Aspects of political life in the French/Hispanic-speaking world
- Multiculturalism in Hispanic society
- Grammar
Paper 2: Writing - 20% of Grade
Two essays; one about a novel and one about a film you have studied.
Paper 3 / NEA – 30% of Grade
- Individual research project – a presentation and discussion on an aspect of French/Spanish speaking society chosen by the student.
- Questions on one of four themes (aspects of French/Hispanic-speaking society: current trends, aspects of French/Hispanic-speaking society: current issues, artistic culture in the French/Hispanic-speaking world, multiculturalism in Hispanic society, aspects of political life in the French/Hispanic-speaking world)
The approach is a focus on how French/Spanish-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change. In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic life of French/Spanish-speaking countries. In the second year further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues such as life for those on the margins of French/Spanish-speaking society as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings. Students also study aspects of the political landscape in a French/Spanish-speaking country, looking at immigration from the political perspective and at the way in which political power is expressed through action such as strikes and demonstrations.
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where French and Spanish is spoken, and their language skills. They will do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in French and Spanish.
Why You Should Do This Course...
The A-level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It focuses on the language, culture and society in the French/Spanish speaking world.
It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society.
Enrichment
Enrichment
Enrichment opportunities are offered throughout the year to various year groups and have included:
- Poetry by Heart competition
- Spanish letter exchange with students from a school in Madrid
- French and Spanish plays performed in school by the Onatti Theatre Company
- Online conference with the BFI on French cinema
Trips and Visits
Trips and visits that Language students can look forward to are:
- a trip to Paris for Years 9 & 10 French students
- a trip to Andalusia for Years 10 & 11 Spanish students
- a trip to Normandy for Years 7 & 8 students
